BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts House has rejected new rules proposed by Republicans that would have made it harder to pass tax hikes or dip into the state’s rainy day fund.
The GOP had wanted to require two-thirds votes for all tax increases or withdrawals from the stabilization fund. Currently, both only require simple majorities to pass.
Republicans had also wanted to ban the House speaker from casting votes unless there is a tie.
Republicans, who hold a small number of seats in the overwhelmingly Democratic House, argued that Democratic members often take their cue from how House Speaker Robert DeLeo votes.
The votes rejecting GOP proposals broke down mostly along party lines — including a proposal requiring lawmakers decide each year by March 15 how much local cities and towns will receive in local aid.
